Orthodontics
Q: What are some signs that my child will need braces?
A: Crooked teeth, gaps between teeth and overlapping teeth can all
be signs that you may need orthodontic treatment. If you see any
of these signs, or if you suspect a problem, it is advisable to
ask Dr. Coppe to evaluate your child. Additional indications that
your child may need orthodontic treatment include difficulty in
chewing or biting, which can affect your child’s oral health
and comfort. Since Dr. Coppe can be a valuable resource in establishing
a possible need for orthodontics, you should discuss your concerns
with him. Please see the page entitled “Making The Transition
To Orthodontics”.
Q: What are the causes of crooked teeth?
A: There are many possible causes of crooked teeth. Misaligned teeth
and jaws can be inherited in much the same way that we inherit our
eye color. However, other factors, including finger-sucking, excessive
cavities, gum disease, facial trauma and premature tooth loss can
also contribute to an incorrect bite.
Q: Is orthodontic treatment uncomfortable?
A: It is not unusual to experience slight discomfort following an
orthodontic check-up or routine adjustment appointment. Unless your
child has an allergy, he or she can take aspirin, non-aspirin pain
reliever or ibuprofen to relieve this discomfort. In addition, try
rinsing the mouth with a teaspoon of salt dissolved in a glass of
water to soothe your oral tissues. If symptoms persist for more
than a few days or are accompanied by a fever, please call our office
as soon as possible.
Q: What foods should be avoided with braces?
A: Although it is possible to eat almost anything with braces, it’s
a good idea to cut harder foods into bite-sized pieces first. Biting
into whole raw fruits and vegetables, Hard bread, and crunchy snacks
could loosen the wires and brackets.
While your child is undergoing orthodontic treatment, he or she
should minimize sugar in the diet. The bacteria present in plaque
thrive on sugar and will damage tooth surfaces if it’s not
removed several times each day by thorough brushing. The risk of
tooth decay and permanent decalcification marks is even greater
for someone wearing braces.
Q: What is interceptive treatment?
A: If your child requires early treatment Dr. Coppe may recommend
interceptive treatment. This is a procedure that takes advantage
of facial growth and tooth eruption and usually decreases the severity
of an orthodontic problem. In addition, interceptive treatment frequently
makes the completion of treatment less costly and time-consuming.
Other advantages of interceptive treatment include possibility avoiding
the loss or fracture of protruding teeth, assurance that the jaws
and teeth meet properly during chewing, elimination of habits such
as thumb of finger sucking, and enhancement of self-image.
Q: Can I play sports with braces?
A: Your child can still participate in most sports while wearing
braces. However, sports like kick-boxing, karate or any other contact
sporting activities, in which he or she might be hit in the mouth
will require the use of an orthodontic mouth-guard to protect your
child’s mouth from injury.
Q: What is a retainer?
A: A retainer is a device worn full or part-time to hold teeth in
place and to prevent teeth from shifting or moving soon after orthodontic
treatment is completed. It is essential to follow Dr. Coppe’s
directions and to wear the retainer exactly as instructed.
Q: What are separators?
A: Separators are small elastic bands or circles of plastic that
are usually inserted between the teeth prior to banding. Separators
temporarily increase the space between the teeth so that the bands
may be fitted over the teeth more easily. Separators are generally
removed during the banding appointment.
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